NEWS
Semiconductor expansion
Sumitomo Chemical is to expand its production capacity for high-purity chemicals for semiconductors on two fronts . It will double capacity for high-purity sulfuric acid at its Ehime Works in Niihama , Japan , by 1H fiscal 2024 and increase highpurity ammonia water capacity by 40 % at the Iksan plant of the Dongwoo Fine-Chem subsidiary by 1H fiscal 2023 .
Cold as ice
Pilot Chemical is undertaking a multi-phase expansion of its proprietary ice-cold sulfonation technology at Middletown , Ohio . The project is due to be completed by 2H 2023 . This technology is said to be “ uniquely effective for working with high molecular weight feedstocks and producing higher assay products with lighter colours ”. Pilot is also evaluating additional expansion in this field and in alkylation .
LLB buys Centerchem
LBB Specialties , which already owns multiple chemical distribution firms in North America , has now acquired Centerchem , a speciality chemical and ingredients distributor from its home town of Norwalk , Connecticut . Terms were not disclosed . Centerchem is particularly strong in novel actives for personal care and speciality enzymes for multiple uses .
Almac works with Pila
Almac Sciences has signed a manufacturing agreement with Swedish biotech Pila Pharma to produce Pila ’ s XEN-D0501 at its Craigavon site in Northern Ireland . This highly selective , very potent , small molecule TRPV1 antagonist was previously in development by Bayer Healthcare and Xention / Ario Pharma . The target has demonstrated applications across pain and inflammatory diseases and possibly in diabetes as well .
Monument buys KMTEX
US toll manufacturer Monument Chemical has acquired KMTEX , a privately owned speciality chemical distillations manufacturer . The company said that this brings it a site at Port Arthur , Texas ( pictured ), 50 new employees and advantages in capacity , capabilities , assets and logistics . The KMTEX site has five full-time distillation trains that can process up to 450 tonnes / year via batch and continuous distillation processes , plus 91 million litres of storage capacity for volatile and non-volatile products in 140 stainless and carbon steel tanks . In addition , KMTEX brings experience separating and purifying several related chemistries , including fuels , aromatic hydrocarbons , glycols and speciality solvents . Some of these are new to Monument . The Port Arthur site ’ s barge dock can handle up to 30,000 barrel barges and offers 24 / 7 loading flexibility . Moreover , it is located on the Sabine River intercoastal waterway , 3 km from the Gulf of Mexico and between manufacturing hubs in Texas and Louisiana , enabling Monument to expand its footprint on the Gulf Coast . “ Mergers , acquisitions , and partnerships are a key part of Monument ’ s growth strategy ,” said CEO Paul Raymond . “ We ' re not just expanding our capabilities ; we ’ re also delivering on the goals we ’ ve set for ourselves as a company .”
COVID claims Chemspec and In-Cosmetics
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties about international travel , Mack-Brooks Exhibitions has announced the postponement of Chemspec Europe 2021 , which was scheduled to take place at Messe Frankfurt on 29-30 September 2021 . It will now return to its late spring slot on 31 May-1 June 2022 , at the same venue . Instead , an interactive networking event will take place on the original dates , as it did in 2020 , featuring virtual stands , product showcases and matchmaking . “ This is to allow sufficient planning security for all parties involved whilst benefitting from a proven virtual marketplace to conduct business ,” the company said .
Likewise , Reed Exhibitions has announced that In-Cosmetics Global in Barcelona and In- Cosmetics Asia in Bangkok will not take place this year “ due to the ongoing travel restrictions due to the pandemic ”. They will revert to their usual slots next year , with the former taking place on 5-7 April 2022 in Paris , and the latter on 1-3 November 2022 in Bangkok . Meanwhile , In-Cosmetics Latin America in São Paulo , Brazil , has been rescheduled from 22-23 September to 10-11 November 2021 . Exhibition director Daniel Zanetti said that this was being done in order to give the country ’ s vaccination programme a further seven weeks to boost immunity ”.
8 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981